| Nov 7, 2005 |
| 11/07/05, 4PM, 3,162 Words |
MaClandon was enjoying having Dianne as a friend, but he knew that he wanted to explore more than friendship with Dianne. He wasn’t sure what to do. He would have asked his brother, but Mec would just tease, as well as his other friends. Mac didn’t want to be teased. He decided to talk to his father about the situation.
Mac rode the bus up to the Greater Buelahland Interdenomational House of Rest, the church that his father, Bishop J. Berry Adkins, founded and pastored. Mac walked into the church and up the stairs to where his father’s office was. His father’s secretary greeted him, “Hey Mac, what are you doing up here?” Mac responded, “I wanted to talk to my father.” The secretary responded, “He is in there counseling someone right now. They should be through in 30 minutes. You can come back then. I will tell him that you want to talk to him. I will put you on his schedule, so he won’t get tied up in something else.” Mac said, “Ok. Thanks.” He stood up and left his father’s office. Mac walked down the stairs and outside the church. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do for 30 minutes.
Mac picked a direction and started walking. He wasn’t sure where he was going to end up, but he set his alarm to ring in 10 minutes, so he could turn around and walk back to the church to talk to his father. It was cold, but it was not as cold as normally was in January in the city of Dorinda. It was pretty outside. The sun shined brightly, but it offered no warmth. Mac looked at the dead trees that usually wore bright green leaves. He walked passed several houses that were next to the church. As he passed Mrs. Colbert’s house, he saw that she was sitting on her porch. She waved at him. He waved back. He kept on walking though because if he would have gotten wrapped up in a conversation with Mrs. Colbert, he would be there for awhile, a long while. He walked for a few more minutes and ended up at the corner of Washington Street. He didn’t want to cross the street, so he turned around and went back to the church. When he reached the church, he went inside and walked up to his father’s office. He would just have to wait for his father to be finished.
After Mac entered his father’s office, he sat down on a chair and waited for his father. After about ten minutes, the door opened and a woman walked out, followed by Bishop Adkins. Bishop looked at his son and smiled. The woman talked to Bishop’s secretary and Bishop waved Mac into the office.
Mac walked up t o his father, “Bishop. God bless you, sir.” Bishop grabbed his son by the neck, “Boy quit acting silly and get in there.” Bishop closed the door behind him after he walked into the office. Mac sat down in one of the chairs in his father’s office. His father sat down behind his desk, “What is up, son? I got a message that you wanted to talk to me.” Mac smiled, “Yea, I need to talk to you.”
“What do you want to talk about?”
“Uhh, there is this girl that I like. I need your advice about it.”
“Who do you like?”
“It’s the lady that sits by Aunt Denise.”
“Not Sis. Taylor.”
“Very funny. Come on dad, she is too old for even me.”
“You need to quit talking about my members like that, boy. Plus, you do like them old.”
“You are the one who mentioned her. I didn’t.”
“You like the other lady that sits next to your aunt? The one that dresses like she is rich.”
“Yea, her name is Dianne.”
“How old is she?”
“She’s like 30 something I think.”
“Boy, are you sure? I think she is older than that.”
“Yes, I am sure. I like her. She is cool.”
Bishop was quiet for a few minutes. His oldest sons had put a number of the gray hairs that he wore on his head. He could not believe that his son was sitting in his office telling him that he had feelings for a woman that had to be older than 30. If she wasn’t she sure looked like it. That woman had to be out of his son’s league. The way she dressed, carried herself, and acted, she was way out of his son’s league. Bishop thought to himself, “Lord, will this boy ever like a girl his age? What should I tell him?” Mac interrupted his father’s thoughts, “Dad, are you okay?” Bishop looked at his son, “yea. Have you talked to Sis. Dianne?” Mac responded, “Yes. I have talked to her a lot.”
“What have you all talked about?”
“Church, her job, clothes, and stuff like that.”
“Where does she work?”
“She works for Aunt Denise, at By Example.”
“That’s right. Your aunt told me about that. Your aunt is always talking about her. Does your aunt know you like her secretary?”
“Yea, she knows. She doesn’t say much to me about it though.”
“When do you talk to Sis. Dianne?”
“At church, when she is with Aunt Denise.”
“That’s good.”
“Come on dad, I don’t want the church busy body running their mouths.”
“I am glad. Lord knows they have enough to run their mouths about. If they got wind of this, they would have a fit.”
“I know.” They both laughed. Bishop said, “Why don’t you do this? For the next four months, keep a journal about how you feel about her when you see her and talk to her at church, like you have. We can look at it at the end of April and if you still feel the same then, we can go from there.” Mac made a face, “For four months.” Bishop responded, “Yep. Starting next month.” Mac looked at the ground and then back at his father, “Alright. I guess so.” His father smiled, “I didn’t tell you to stop talking to her did I?” Mac smiled, “No, you didn’t.” Bishop nodded and then said, “What are you doing off from work so early. It’s 2:00 in the afternoon, shouldn’t you still be at work?” Mac smiled, “Dad, I have told you this forever. I go in when I wake up and then I leave after I have worked 8 hours. Today, I went in at 4:00.” Bishop laughed, “You wake up too early for me.” The two of them talked for awhile longer before Mac hugged his father and left.
It was 2:13 when Mac walked outside the church. He decided to go up to By Example Ministries. It would be a 30 minute bus ride up there. The bus was scheduled to come to his stop at 2:46. He wanted to go up to his aunt’s office and see Dianne. Mac waited for the bus with a smile on his face.
Mac stepped off the bus. He walked two blocks and went into the building that housed his aunt’s ministry. When he walked in, Dianne was sitting at the desk that Charlotte used to occupy. It looked funny, not walking in and seeing Charlotte. Dianne was a pleasant sight to see; at least she was to Mac. She looked as beautiful as ever. She was wearing a black, multi-colored sweater. From under the bottom of the desk, Mac could see her black boots. Her feet were crossed at the ankle. She was on the phone. Mac waved at her. She smiled back at him. Mac sat down in one of the chairs in the lobby of the building and pretending to read the magazine that he had picked up.
Dianne said, “Dr. Adkins-Garnett can meet with you on Tuesday, at 3:00 PM. If that doesn’t work, she has time available on Thursday morning.” Dianne paused for a moment, “Okay, Tuesday at 3:00. I will put you on her schedule.” Dianne paused again, “You’re welcomed. See you on Tuesday. Good bye.” Dianne hung up the phone. Instead of saying anything to MaClandon, she pretended to type something on the computer. Mac lowered the magazine that he had in his hand. He looked at Dianne. She still ignored him. He couldn’t believe that he was ignoring her. He was about to say something to her when Sis. Carey walked into the lobby, “Thank you, Lord. Mac, I need you to come look at the computer in this room. This thing is acting up like crazy.” Mac looked at Sis. Carey, “Uhh, Sis. Carey, I hadn’t planned on working today. Maybe you can just switch computers.” Sis. Carey got frustrated, “Boy, you work on the computers up here right.” She didn’t wait for Mac to answer, “You are here, so you can work. Now, come on in here and look at this computer.” Mac looked at Dianne and motioned for her to help him out. Dianne smiled, “Sis. Carey, I am sure that MaClandon would be more than happy to help you out.” Mac looked at Dianne like she had lost her mind. He made a face at her before he stood up and went with Sis. Carey.
Mac came back into the lobby. Dianne saw him and laughed. He walked over to her desk, “You are so mean. I can’t believe that you did that.” Dianne gave him a sweet smile. He rolled his eyes, “You still mean.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s voice came over the intercom, “Dianne. Is that my nephew out there?” Dianne pushed the intercom button, “Yes, it is.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s voice said, “Mac, come in here. This computer is acting crazy.” Mac made a face at Dianne, “You have got to be kidding me. I would ask you to help me out, but you so mean, you wouldn’t.” Mac made a face at Dianne before he made his way to his aunt’s office.
Mac walked out of his aunt’s office. His plan to spend time with Dianne had been thwarted at every turn. There wasn’t much time left for him to spend time with Dianne. An idea popped into his head. He walked over to Dianne’s desk and walked behind it. He said, “Let me check your computer while I am here.” Dianne looked up at him, “There is nothing wrong with my computer.” Mac motioned for her to stand up, “Let me check it anyway. Can I have the chair?” Dianne stood up and leaned up against the credenza that sat next to the desk. She said, “You ain’t slick. I know what you are doing.” Mac looked here up and down, twice before he said, “Yea, checking out your computer. You got a problem with that.” Mac looked at the black jeans that Dianne had on. She looked good in those jeans. Dianne said, “No and quit checking me out.” Mac looked Dianne up and down again, “What makes you think I am checking you out?” Dianne blew a breath, “Whatever. How long are you going to be?” Mac smiled, “A few minutes. Can I ask you something?” Dianne shifted her position, “Yea, I guess.” Mac looked at her, “How old are you?” Dianne made a face, “Why do you want to know?” Mac didn’t look at her. He said, “Cause I asked.” Dianne kicked the chair. Mac looked up, “I thought you didn’t want me to check you out. Why are you trying to get my attention?” Dianne made a face, “Whatever.” Dianne moved and started to walk from behind the desk. Mac moved the chair and blocked her path. Dianne tapped him on his shoulder, “Would you move out of the way?” Mac didn’t move, “Nope.” Dianne made a face, “Do not make me call your aunt.” Mac said, “Aunnie, come here.” Dianne made a face, “You stupid.” Mac laughed, “Yea, but you like me.” Dianne smacked her lips, “Boy, please, no I do not!” Mac laughed and then worked his neck as he said, “Why you gotta get an attitude?” Dianne made a face.
Dr. Adkins-Garnett walked out of her office, “Boy, why are you screaming like you are out in the country?” Mac smiled, pointed at Dianne, and then said, “She hit me.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled and shook her head, “Dianne, leave him alone and let him work. Dianne looked at Dr. Adkins-Garnett, “You joking right. I did not hit him.” Dianne blew a breath and then leaned back up against the credenza. Dr. Adkins-Garnett winked at her nephew and then walked towards her office. Dianne rolled her eyes after Dr. Adkins-Garnett walked pass her. Mac said, “Aunnie, she just rolled her eyes at you.” Dianne almost fell off the credenza. Dr. Adkins-Garnett took three steps backwards and looked at Dianne, “Do not roll your eyes at me anymore.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett walked to her office.
Dianne punched Mac in his arm, hard. Mac grabbed the spot that Dianne had hit, “What you do that for?” Dianne rolled her eyes, “You are so childish.” Mac made a face, “I was just playing, you ain’t have to hit me.” Dianne walked pass him, “Whatever.” Mac smiled as she sat down in the chair that he was sitting in earlier, “You mad at me?” Dianne ignored him. Mac stopped what he was doing and walked over to where she was and sat down beside her. He looked at her, “You mad at me?” Dianne still ignored him. Mac leaned close to her and whispered, “I like your outfit.” Dianne looked at him, “That isn’t going to work.” Mac smiled, “It already did.” He laughed. Dianne stood up. Mac stood up, too, “Where are you going?” Dianne popped her hip, “Back to my desk, if you must know.” Mac whispered, “Why you being so mean? You know I came up here to see you. You could talk to me for a few minutes.” Dianne blew a breath, “I didn’t ask you to come see me.” Mac said, “Didn’t your parents teach you to be nice to company?” Dianne got very quiet. She turned her head and stared off into space. Mac felt Dianne disposition change. He suspected that he had said something he shouldn’t have. He said, “I’m going to go talk to my aunt.” He walked pass Dianne.
Dianne walked over to her desk and sat down. She looked at the clock. It was 4:50. She didn’t have anything else to do, so she shut her computer down and then she walked over to Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office door and stuck her head in and said, “Dr. Adkins-Garnett, I do not have anything else to do. Is it okay if I leave?” Dr. Adkins-Garnett looked at her, “Can you go tell the people in the computer room to shut down the computers and then you can leave? Come back and tell me who is still in there.” Dianne nodded and walked away from the door. When Dianne was out of sight, Mac stood up, “Aunnie, I’ll be back in a second.” He left his aunt’s office. He walked towards the computer room. He was leaning up against the door when Dianne walked out. She callously said, “What do you want?” Mac looked down at the floor and then back up at her, “Sorry, if I upset you.” Dianne walked to her desk without acknowledging him. She turned the power strip off. She walked over to Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office and said, “I told everyone to shut down. Sis. Carey, her daughter, Anne, and Joanna are still in the computer room. I will see you tomorrow.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett responded, “Thanks see you tomorrow.”
Mac raced over to the exit of the building. He opened the door for Dianne. She walked passed him, “Thanks.” She walked out the door. Mac followed her out. Dianne stopped when she realized Mac was following her, “What do you want MaClandon?” Her voice sounded testy. He smiled at her, “I don’t want you to leave mad at me.” Dianne responded coldly, “I am not mad at you, okay. Bye.” She started walking. Mac followed her. She stopped again, “What!” Mac smiled again, “You are acting like you are mad.” Dianne blew a breath, “I am not mad, okay. Now go back in the building and let me go home.” Mac smiled, “Let me at least walk you to your car.” Dianne made a mean face, “I am being nice to you. You are getting dangerously close to getting your feelings hurt.” Mac drooped his head, “Okay, but can you at least tell me what I did wrong?” Dianne bit her lip, “My father is dead and my mother is in jail. Are you happy now? Walk off MaClandon!” Dianne turned and walked away. Mac felt like an idiot.
Mac’s aunt dropped him off at the house that he shared with his brother and friends, DeWright, Norwood, and MacArthur. Mac walked into the house. As usual, his brother, DeWright, Norwood, and MacArthur were sitting on the couch with Donnyea, Shalalah, and Kelly. Mac walked past the crowd of people, just barely speaking. He went upstairs into his room. He put his stuff down and then turned on his computer. He changed his clothes. He sat down at his computer, opened up a text file and typed…
I talked to my father and told him about Dianne. He was cool about it. He told me to keep a journal from February through April about how I feel about Dianne when I see her and talk to her at church. I went up to By Example today. Dianne probably hates me now. I am so stupid.
Mac heard a knock on the door. He walked over to the door and opened it. It was Donnyea. Mac looked at her. She was wearing her green contacts. Her light skin looked lighter because of her eyes and her freshly light brown dyed hair. Donnyea was like that. She was always dying her hair or changing her hair color. She was slightly over weight and she was always doing something to get people to notice some feature other than her weight. Donnyea saw Mac staring at her eyes, “I wore the green ones today. What do you think?” Mac responded, “They look nice. I like your hair. When did you get it done?” Donnyea smiled, “On Saturday. I think it’s too light.” Mac smiled at her, “Naw, it looks great. You shouldn’t change it.” Donnyea smiled big, “We’re going to get something to eat. You wanna go?” Mac responded, “Naw, not tonight.” Donnyea frowned, “Why not? You ok?” Mac smiled, “Yea, I am tired. I’ll catch you all another time.” Donnyea said, “Ok. Later.” She closed the door and left. Mac was expecting Mec to burst into the room, but he never did. Mac opened up Netscape Navigator and surfed the net for awhile. |
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